In March 2006 Michael Ashcroft became a shareholder in Watford Leisure plc, the company which owns UK Championship football team, Watford Football Club.
The club is based just north of London and has strong community links.
Future plans for the club include the redevelopment of its Vicarage Road stadium to provide additional seating and additional services to supporters. The growth of off-field businesses is also a priority. In 2004-05 more than 50,000 local youngsters participated in activities directly organised by the club.